Over 9,844 Pakistani Hajj pilgrims have arrived in Madinah via the government scheme, beginning their sacred journey of Hajj.
Muhammad Umar Butt, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Religious Affairs, reported that since May 9, nearly 40 flights have carried these pilgrims from major Pakistani cities to Madinah.
On Sunday alone, three flights from Islamabad and Karachi, four from Lahore, and one from Multan and Sialkot transported 3,254 pilgrims to Madinah.
Starting May 17, these pilgrims will proceed to Makkah after an eight-day stay in Madinah. They will travel as “advanced caravans,” wearing Ihram and chanting Talbiyah, converging with other faithful from around the globe.
Butt emphasized that the ministry has ensured comprehensive arrangements to support the pilgrims both in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
Before the flights, the ministry conducted several training sessions to educate pilgrims on the essential rites of Hajj and offer guidance on making their pilgrimage smooth. This included airport assistance, transport, meals, and medical care.
Regarding healthcare, Butt mentioned that under the Pakistan Hajj Mission, the ministry has set up two hospitals, one in Madinah and one in Makkah. These hospitals are staffed by 66 doctors and paramedics working in shifts to provide round-the-clock care, including free medical checkups and medicines.
For severe cases, patients are transferred to Saudi hospitals, where they receive comprehensive treatment and surgeries at no cost. Arrangements are also made to ensure such pilgrims can complete their Hajj, potentially utilizing services like air ambulances.
